Submitted by: Dan Rich

Brother Francis P. Meduri CSC

June 17, 1937 - Oct. 27, 2005

South Bend Tribune 10/28/2005                                      

Br. Francis Paul Meduri, CSC, 68, died in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Ind., on Thursday, October 27, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. Br. Francis was born in New York, N.Y., on June 17, 1937, the son of Paul and Carmell (Simone) Meduri. The family moved, and he was educated in elementary and secondary schools in Ravenna, Ohio, between 1943 and 1955. He was employed in the cost department of Byers Machine, Inc., Ravenna, from 1955 to 1957, helping out at the same time at Meduri Bros. Produce. He then served a tour in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959, being employed as a parts specialist. Back home, with an eye toward work in accounting, he attended Boheckers Business College in Ravenna for a year, earning a certificate in accounting in 1962. He was then employed by B-D Products Co. in general office work, including purchasing and cost accounting.

Attracted to the religious life, Br. Francis applied for admission to the Brothers of Holy Cross. He entered the candidate program in Watertown, Wis., in June 1963, preparing to receive the religious habit at St. Joseph's Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind., in August. Following that year of basic religious training, he took his first vows as a brother in August 1964, and his perpetual vows in August 1968.

Br. Francis was first assigned to work at Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Ind., from 1965-1967. In 1967 he joined the staff at the Notre Dame Post Office, remaining there in various capacities for 13 years. He was appointed assistant postmaster in 1969, and became postmaster in 1976, holding that position until 1980, when he asked and received permission to undertake missionary work in the Holy Cross Brothers' ministries in West Africa.

From 1980 to 1984 he was diocesan director of youth ministry for the diocese of Sunyani, Ghana, and did pastoral ministry at the Sunyani Diocesan Training Center, Sunyani. He agreed during that time (May to November 1982) to become acting administrator at Nkoranza Hospital in Sunyani, a challenging but rewarding experience.

Br. Francis returned to the U.S. in late 1984 and took up postal work again until 1986. He served as a staff member at the brothers' on-campus residence, Columba Hall, Notre Dame, Ind., as he dealt with health concerns from February to May 1988. From June to October 1988 he engaged in volunteer work, assisting the brothers at St. Joseph Farm, Granger, Ind. He returned to Ghana in the fall of 1988 and carried on his work at Sunyani, where he became the diocesan treasurer and diocesan director of social communications. In 1991 he returned to the States and joined the staff of Dujarie House, the brothers' health care facility at Notre Dame. A year later he was asked to serve temporarily on the staff of the provincial office at Notre Dame, and as of January 1993 he resumed full-time work at Dujarie House where he helped out in various capacities, especially transporting patients to therapy, doctors' appointments, and so on, until his health suggested that he retire. He resided at Columba Hall until his death.

Br. Francis was born with an extraordinarily outgoing personality, and reveled in his Italian heritage, particularly in preparing and enjoying the cuisine of that country. An inveterate conversationalist, he enjoyed lengthy exchanges with others who occasionally had to remind Br. Frank they had duties to attend to elsewhere. Br. Frank was nothing if not sincere. Exhibiting a simplicity that was sometimes mistaken for naivete, he never failed to show concern for others and did his best to address whatever it was they required. Unusually generous, he often went well beyond the necessary in responding to someone's need. He exhibited a self-confidence that more than made up for what he might have lacked in formal training, as exemplified by his taking on for several months the administration of the busy Nkoranza Hospital. These qualities of character arose out of his deep spirituality. His participation in prayer groups and his childlike faith in God's presence and power wove all these traits together to sustain him in the various ministries in which he engaged for Holy Cross and for the people he influenced wherever he was. We need not wonder if he will act as a frequent and vocal intercessor for us before the God who was, for Br. Frank, a nearly tangible presence throughout his life. He will be keeping God busy.

Visitation will begin at noon on Saturday, October 29, in St. Joseph's Chapel, the brothers' Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, 54515 State Road 933. The Liturgy of the Resurrection will follow at 2:00 p.m., with interment immediately afterward at St. Joseph's Cemetery on the village grounds. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.